Technologically Speaking

In this episode, we explore how identities are verified online and how S&T is working to keep personal information safe in a digital world. Host Brittany Greco sits down with two S&T biometrics experts, Arun Vemury and Jon Prisby, to discuss the evolving landscape of identity fraud, digital credentials, and the real challenges and innovations behind keeping our identities secure—both in person and online. With hundreds of document types and clever counterfeiters, you’ll hear about: Why verifying IDs is harder than you think, and real stories about document security New technologies like mobile driver’s licenses and selective disclosure that are making identity verification safer and more private How artificial intelligence is transforming fraud detection and what the future holds for digital trust Curious about how these changes might affect you? Listen to the episode and get the inside scoop on the future of identity security!

In this episode, we’re exploring how drones are transforming both public safety and homeland security, the evolving threats and opportunities they pose, and the innovative ways S&T coordinates across agencies to stay ahead. Host Brittany Greco is joined by Steve Willoughby, Acting Executive Director of the new DHS Program Executive Office (PEO) for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and Counter-UAS for an insightful look at: The new PEO and its role in coordinating DHS’s drone and counter-drone efforts. Nuances of protecting critical infrastructure and major events (like the FIFA World Cup and America250), as well as the importance of empowering state and local agencies. The importance of interoperability, training, and guiding responsible technology adoption.

In this episode, we’ll introduce you to Ernest Wong, S&T’s Technical Lead for Position, Navigation, Timing and Space Systems. He and host Brittany Greco discuss vital efforts underway at S&T to facilitate and secure the increasing amounts of infrastructure and technology being deployed into space. You’ll hear about: (DHS Audio by Science & Technology Directorate/Released) How S&T and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency are working together to secure critical infrastructure in orbit and beyond—someday as far away as the surface of the moon. What S&T is doing to identify emerging risks and trends in space systems, helping anticipate threats before they impact the homeland. Real-world impacts that cyberattacks on space assets have on critical infrastructure on the ground, including power outages affecting millions across the U.S. What’s on the horizon for space (hint: data centers).

In this second episode of Season 6, host Brittany Greco chats with Alice Hong, Director of S&T’s National Urban Security Technology Laboratory (NUSTL), about how emerging technologies are helping first responders secure our communities. Want to hear more about how S&T and NUSTL are shaping the future of emergency response? Tune in to hear how: Drones are revolutionizing emergency response, making it safer and faster for law enforcement and rescue teams to get eyes on the scene. Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems advancements are helping DHS Components and other government partners keep major events like the FIFA World Cup tournament safe and secure. NUSTL is collaborating with local agencies to tackle evolving public safety challenges and help them make smart purchasing decisions.

We’re kicking off Season 6 with a timely conversation with Helen Mearns, Deputy Director of S&T’s Chemical Security Analysis Center. She shares with host Brittany Greco all about the lab’s vital work in safeguarding the country from chemical hazards. In this episode, you’ll learn how CSAC: Tackles everything from detecting synthetic opioids to combatting food adulteration. Designs large-scale experiments and modeling tools to inform immediate emergency response efforts. Prepares key stakeholders for major event security, including the Super Bowl, NCAA Final Four, and this summer’s FIFA World Cup.

In the final episode of Technologically Speaking Season 5, host Brittany Greco and S&T Senior Advisor Kristin Wyckoff explore how the Directorate is helping DHS and its components to see over the horizon through foresighting. By understanding the landscape and developing a matrix of emerging threats, S&T will direct R&D towards solutions to defeat those threats—and shape the future of homeland security. Wyckoff explains how S&T’s work across DHS and with international, industry, and academic partners uniquely positions her team to leverage these stakeholders’ experiences and expertise to help secure a brighter and safer future for us all.

Host Brittany Greco and Air, Land, and Ports of Entry Program Manager Saadat Laiq have an important conversation about new technology solutions to assist Department of Homeland Security component agencies and frontline responders secure our borders and points of entry. They discuss everything from the Big Wing drone to Multi-Energy Portal cargo scanners to S&T’s aviation security portfolio and keeping an eye on ships at sea. And how to how to cross a body of water on a bike!

In this episode of Technologically Speaking, John Han of our International Cooperative Programs Office joins host Brittany Greco for a wide-ranging discussion about his role as S&T’s attaché to Singapore. They discuss topics ranging from the Directorate’s critical research and development priorities in the Indo-Pacific region to the strategic importance of Singapore to what you must eat if you ever visit (hint: it’s spicy!).

In this episode, host Brittany Greco sits down with S&T Senior Standards Advisor Renee Stevens for a lively discussion about how setting standards for technology development can actually be a matter of life, death, and national security. You’ll hear how the faith that we put in everyday things (like seatbelts) is directly related to the faith and confidence we put in millimeter wave technology at airport checkpoints, law enforcement ballistic helmets, computers, and the security of artificial intelligence systems. Stevens explains how proper standards-setting protects everyone, from first responders in the field to the American public.

S&T Program Manager Anthony Caracciolo has helped to usher in new, innovative technology to support our nation’s first responders and help them to save more lives. In this episode, Anthony and host Deepak Saini discuss digitizing building floorplans, enabling detection of life through walls, contactless vehicle stoppage, and more. You will also learn about his childhood in New York City and how having an older brother who was a cop led to a passion for making all responders safer in the field.